Tuesday, March 13, 2018

I love animals in books and even more so
as almost secondary characters. I think you can tell a lot about a character by
how they regard their pets, how they take care of them, and what lengths they
will go through to keep them safe. One of my favorites is Oberon in Kevin
Hearne’s Iron Druid series. And yes, Oberon can speak, telepathically to
Atticus, but he’s still a dog through and through and so he’s POV is all about
honesty and “hey, check out that poodle!”.

I think the whole loving animals thing
can be traced back to having had dogs my whole life, and awesome cats as well,
but the loving them in books is directly related to my mother. I grew up with
her reading to us and when I was old enough to grab books off her shelves myself,
it was the works of Albert Payson Terhune, that were there first. She had read
them as a child herself and written to the author when she was old enough AND
he wrote her back which was a huge deal in the days before Facebook. Because of
that, and her constant devotion to his books that she continued to have her
students read over the years, I had a special love of collies. But big collies,
like the ones that used to roam the hills of Scotland, but because they don’t
get that big anymore, when it was time to give Miro and Ian a dog in the
marshals series, I decided on a werewolf.

Not really.

Chickie Baby is a mix. He’s part Caucasian
Ovcharka, Husky or Malamute with a little wolf thrown in. Not that Ian or Miro
will cop to the “wolf” part as hybrids are dangerous and Chickie is not. But he’s
played a big part in the stories as a companion, something Ian could talk about
instead of his feelings, he grew Ian and Hartley’s relationship from fear to a
new understanding and has been the bridge between the guys when words failed
them. He’s also the companion of a little girl. It wouldn’t be the same book(s)
without him.Thank you all so much for loving him.

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Hi, friends and fellow bookworms, welcome to The NovelApproach’s Book of the Month picks and giveaway for February! We have such a strong list of contenders this month, thanks to some talented authors, so without further ado, here they are: the books we loved in February!

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Ky – Just Here for the Pain by K.A. Merikan – “Just Here for the Pain, the second book of The Underdogs series, is even better, even hotter, even kinkier than the first!

Dusk and Lolly of course make an appearance here. It was good to see them again, though Dusk irritated me at times. I didn’t remember him being so annoying in the first book, but maybe that had something to do with the fact that now he is in couple-heaven, so he feels free to tease and torment his bandmates about their relationship troubles. I still like Dusk and Lolly very much, but Sid and Asher are by far my favorite couple. Even though Asher starts off as a stalker, I liked him a lot from the beginning of the book, and this held firmly till the end of it. Trust KA Merikan to make you like an unconventional character! 5 star read – highly recommended!”

Mike – The Long and Winding Road by TJ Klune – “Bear and Otter are the makers of a logical family, one Armistead Maupin taught us is what we do when our blood families are not enough to fill our lives. Bear and Otter along with the Kid have finally overcome so much—moving from coast to coast, the death of someone close to them, near fatal accidents, and addiction. But just when things begin to settle and life is finding a balance, an unknown sister, a rekindled romance, and super sperm all land at once and conspire to take their nice and quiet (never mind normal, that never happens), the occupants of the “Big Green Monstrosity,” and all their sundry friends and family, and toss them into the air like a cartoon salad. The results are funny, sweet, sad, and ever so satisfying.”

Carrie – Joshua’s Rainbow by Victoria Sue – “This is the first book in a brand new series by the amazing author Victoria Sue, and if this book is an indication of what she has planned for the remainder of the series, then I cannot wait for the rest of them! This book drew me in and I cannot say enough good things about it. This quirky, atypical cast of characters won my heart, but even the island of misfit toys needed someone to lead them and ground them, and this is what Joshua’s Rainbow is all about. Yes, technically this is a May/December romance, but honestly, the MCs fit together so well that they don’t notice the age difference, and neither will you. At first glance, you’re not sure how the two will get together but as the story unfolds, you realize the big picture of how they are yin and yang to each other. They are both at a crossroads. They are both so unsure. They both see the good and positive in the other that they cannot see in themselves.”

Jules – Somewhere Over Lorain Road by Bud Gundy – “Bud Gundy’s Somewhere Over Lorain Road is riveting. There’s just no other word for it. I was absolutely enthralled with the story from the opening paragraph until the final moments, and went through a small rollercoaster of emotions in between. Gundy keeps the reader guessing up until the very end as to what really happened that long-ago summer in North Homestead, Ohio, but it wasn’t only the mystery that had me on edge throughout the book. Somewhere Over Lorain Road is as much a portrait and study of human behavior and small-town dynamics as it is a murder mystery. And, it’s almost more a survival story than anything else. It’s about the Eskers surviving the onslaught of ill will and ridicule and small-mindedness they endured back in 1975, and coming out the other side.”

Jenn – Dead Speak by Pandora Pine – “This book grabbed me from the very start with a rush of action that was the bottom of a long spiral of despair for the main character, built into a complex and wonderful book that hooks you in and gives you a satisfying ending.

I liked how the author never really went into how or why Tennyson had his gifts, instead focusing on how he used them and how they impacted his life, leaving that air of mystery and potential magic for the readers. I loved his family and can’t wait to read about how his best friend, Carson, met the man he loved, since just the summary we’re given was fantastic. Tennyson’s caring personality and determination to help the ghosts he sees is endearing, and I loved watching him interact with the ghost of Michael Frye.”

Sammy – King Daniel by Edmond Manning – “If there were enough descriptive words or phrases to describe how incredible this last book is, I would no doubt continue to wax prosaic. However, given my lack of imagination when it comes to sharing how greatly this book, this whole series, impacted me, I will leave this scant review with this last thought or two. What Daniel experiences is as foreign to me as is humanly possible, and yet, through the deft and masterful hand of Edmond Manning, I am able to step into Daniel’s world, share his pain, weep for and with him and then, blessedly, experience the emotions he has when that burden gets lifted. What this author does is remind us that we all carry scars of one sort or another and, if we can take just a moment to tap into that shared experience, we will find the lost king or queen within ourselves and others. For just a second or two, we can understand what it is to walk the path of another person and appreciate how hard their journey is, and see how it sometimes connects to our own. And that? That is beautiful, redemptive, inspiring and majestic.”

Lindsey – Relief Valve by JL Merrow – “The first book in the Plumber’s Mate series, Pressure Head, reeled me in, and Relief Valve hooked me completely. Tom continues to astound me, and I can’t get enough of his internal thoughts and observations. He captured me with his wittiness, and I wasn’t let down one bit in the second book.

This installment surrounds Cherry, Tom’s sister, who he is mildly estranged from. She enters dropping all kinds of drama into his life. Between the death of his sort-of aunt, and her last will and testament, and Cherry being poisoned, Tom has his hands full. The mystery surrounding the poisoner was intriguing and kept me glued—so many possible characters, and each with their own brand of crazy, some you can’t help but like, others you may hate, while some just make you scratch your head and wonder what the heck is up with them. I thoroughly enjoyed working through the clues uncovered to find the whodunnit. And, most importantly, the why.”

Maryann – Where Death Meets the Devil by L.J. Hayward – “This was my first time reading L.J. Hayward. Where Death Meets the Devil is excellent, and it will keep you guessing! The title alone was intriguing enough for me to select it, and I was not disappointed. There’s high espionage, a great deal of fast-paced action and danger and suspense and mystery, with a touch of futuristic technology too. I just can’t say enough about how very well-written this novel is, down to the fight scenes and the environment being so descriptive. I also like how the plot is set up in a Then and Now way, each Now chapter coinciding with the flashback Then chapters. I couldn’t see this story being told any other way.

Both Jack’s and Ethan’s personal stories are heartfelt. They each have their quirks and issues, and their banter brings the humor—their sincerity is just so pure. The chemistry between them is explosive, and they are a force to be reckoned with. I also have to mention Sophia, who is definitely a star in her own right!

Lisa – Bad Boyfriend by K.A. Mitchell – “The undeniable truth here is that Quinn and Eli are combustible together. The sex, the chemistry, the age play, it’s all there in spades, but the only way it works is if their characterizations are strong individually, which they are. They’re both so charming and funny and sassy and passionate, and their conversations run the fine line between revelation and evasion at the opportune moments. It all came together in such a perfect storm of storytelling that the book was unputdownable even though I already knew how it all played out. Mistakes were made. Of course they were. That’s to be expected when a relationship begins on one big lie and mind-blowing sex is the only thing going for you, but Mitchell builds on it and leads readers to a believable happy beginning for Quinn and Eli. That’s the definition of well-written erotica as far as I’m concerned—if you can take out the sex and be left with a good story that develops into a credible relationship, it’s been done right.

And yeah, we get to savor Peter’s day of reckoning too, which is altogether delicious.”

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And that does it for this month, friends! Until next time, all the happy reading!

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

To celebrate Valentine's Day, you're all invited to spend some time with my marshals. I put a short novella on Instafreebie hereof Miro and Ian having dinner with their boss Sam Kage and his husband, Jory Harcourt. What could possibly go wrong?

I hope you all enjoy it and I hope you all have a wonderful, shmoopy, candy and flower filled day.

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Cheers, friends and fellow bookworms, and welcome to our Book of the Month picks for January as chosen by the team at The Novel Approach Reviews! It’s great to be back after a December hiatus, and I’m so excited to share our picks with all of you. We’re kicking off 2018 in a great way, to the point where some of us had a hard time choosing a clear favorite. Some of the honorable mention titles include KA Merikan’s On His Knees, Marshall Thornton’s Hidden Treasure, and Harper Fox’s Guardians of the Haunted Moor: Book Five in the Tyack & Frayne series, so if you haven’t had a chance to grab them yet, they’ll be included in the Giveaway too!

And now, here are the books we loved this month!

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Sadonna – Their Life As They Live It by A.M. Arthur – “This story is an exceptional illustration of how to tell a story effectively in flashbacks, which can be really difficult to do. As the tale winds between the stress of present day and Richard’s health emergency, Bear remembers everything that has made his life with Richard what it has been over the past thirty-plus years. The time jumps are well labeled, and the narrative is so well done that it does not detract at all from the tension in the present day. The expository sections of the past are well done and provide a lot of insight into Gabe’s motivations and his difficulties growing up, accepting who he is, and making a life with Tristan.”

Maryann – Trick Roller by Cordelia Kingsbridge – “Not only did Cordelia Kingsbridge create another exciting mystery in this series, but she really shows her knowledge with detailed police procedure and trial questioning. I was thrown off a little in the first chapter, but I think that was intentional. The pace of the storyline was interesting too, and it made the conclusion of this story very powerful. I really liked how the author presented a deeper look at how Levi and Dominic complement each other, give each other support, and the chemistry between them picks up steam. There’s a lot of heartwarming moments too, with Dominic and his Nonna, Levi and Adriana, and with Rebel. There’s some very solid secondary characters as well, in Martine, Justine, Carlos, and family and friends, which gives a nice balance to the story.”

Jenn – Felix and the Prince by Lucy Lennox – “As always Lucy Lennox provides a wonderfully sweet, without being saccharine, tale. I’d happily label this as a modern fairy-tale. If the author hadn’t mentioned it at the start that the kingdom of Liorland wasn’t fact, I’d have completely believed it to exist (but then, geography has always been a place for stories to take place in for me) as she crafts a story with depth and grounding in the world we know.

A real treat for me was hearing more about Doc and Grandpa Wilde, as they help the struggling lovers reconcile all the responsibilities placed on them with their own desires and love. I really want to see a Doc and Grandpa Wilde novel or short story, and I’m positive I’m not the only one.”

Sammy – In the Absence of Light by Adrienne Wilder – “This novel—it is just breathtaking. It pulls you into a world where fragments of light far outweigh the dark. It does not apologize for the moments of pain and anguish both men must suffer, but surrounds them with equal portions of beauty and grace. Author Adrienne Wilder never shies away from delivering a story that bursts with action, pathos and delightful flashes of humor. In the Absence of Light is a carefully balanced story which exudes compassion and love, wrapped up in a compelling plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I can only end this review with the highest praise and recommendation. It is a story that solidifies the idea that Adrienne Wilder will be an auto-buy novelist for me from now on.”

Mike – Enlightened by Joanna Chambers – “There are so many good things here. The relationship between the two men becomes a true love affair during David’s recuperation, but pressure from the outside world, and the realities of late 18th century life, come calling all too soon in the sanctuary the two men have come to thrive on. But the political life of Murdo’s father, and the fate of David’s mentor, Patrick Chalmers, now hang in the balance. This entire series is a definite buy. As a historical romance it is accurate, and as an exposé of the life of the middle and upper classes in Georgian England. The love affair is deep and true, and the final chapters of this series do not disappoint and leave the reader with a satisfied smile.”

Carrie – Two Feet Under by Charlie Cochrane – “I totally enjoyed revisiting murder with these characters, and I am really hoping that this series continues. I adore how very British they are, and Cochrane is a master at creating time and place, mixing them with good, solid characterizations and police procedurals. Each of the stories in this series is a standalone. You could pick them up individually and read them, but start with the first to get Adam and Robin’s love story from the beginning. These two met, fell in love, and now are thinking about the future amidst all the chaos and colorful people in their lives. These books are witty, the banter between the MCs entertaining, and the mystery is always just that, a mystery to be solved. I highly recommend them.”

Taz – In the Blood by Hailey Turner – “Ms. Turner pulled no punches when it came to the violence of the military sequences. I don’t want to ruin anything by giving examples, but the villains are so hateful and sadistic in this book that the way she brings them to their demise is remarkably gratifying. To that end, people who find graphic violence off-putting should read with caution. But read the book anyways, just skip over some of the more gory scenes. There aren’t too many, but the ones that are there are truly visceral.

Overall, another amazing book by an author who is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I look forward to the next book in this awesome series.”

Jules – Relay by Layla Reyne – “First and foremost, I loved, loved both Dane and Alex. I loved Dane’s drive and his perseverance in becoming dominant in his sport once again, after being sidelined by an injury and left out of the last Olympic games. I loved his friendship with Mo, and his respect for his other teammates. And, I loved that he never stopped loving Alex. He knows how badly he hurt Alex when they were kids, and that he needs to put in some OT in the sucking up and apologizing category. Tell me this quote doesn’t make you swoon pretty hard…

Another thing that worked quite well, I think, despite there not being much competition in the book, was the pacing and flow of the story. Reyne managed to keep the intrigue and excitement up with the sheer charisma of the characters, and their individual and collective dramas, and with the doping plotline.”

Kim – Wedding Bellskis by Astrid Amara – “I love how Ms. Amara can make each story in a series even more interesting than the last, with a surprise twist in Wedding Bellskis that kept me, the reader, eagerly turning the page to see what would happen next. I love these types of stories, where the two MCs continue to grow in their relationship with each other. It also helps that I’m familiar with the location that the story takes place in.

Highly recommended to those who love this series and want more!”

Lindsey – Pressure Head by JL Merrow – “How much do I love this book? Let me count the ways….

The plot. How amazing is it to have a plumber by trade who has this knack for finding things; a gift of divination, if you will? Utterly brilliant. Or at least the way this carefully crafted tale is delivered. Mind you, they aren’t usually lost things. They are hidden things. And water. And sometimes people. Tom can sense secrets people don’t want others to find or know about, and in his unique case, water, which makes him a pretty fabulous plumber to have come around. Mostly what he senses is more or less harmless. Water leaks (of course), porn stashes, expensive jewelry, love letters… But sometimes his gift can be used under more dire circumstances. Like finding dead bodies. In this case, after his pal in the police requests his services in finding a dead body, Tom’s path ends up converging with Phil’s—Tom’s former bully and a now out-and-proud, gorgeous private investigator who thinks Tom’s particular talent can help him track down the murderer and, in turn, save Phil’s friend from falsely taking the fall.”

Lisa – Agent Bayne by Jordan Castillo Price – “It’s been eight years since I picked up Among the Living, book the first in the PsyCop series, and eight years since I discovered that author Jordan Castillo Price had not only brought two fantastic protagonists to life, but that she’d done so with intricate detail and precise execution in an alternate reality that isn’t only intense and densely woven but is also a love story tucked in between murder investigations and ghost encounters on the streets of Chicago. Every time I open a PsyCop book and Vic starts speaking, it’s like hopping back into the middle of a chat with an old friend—albeit a usually oddish, non-sequitur sort of conversation—but no matter how long it’s been, I fall back in sync with him in no time at all.

The true testament of the adroit storytelling here, however, is the author’s disappearance into her narrator. Victor Bayne is given full agency, is a fully realized character who’s motivated by external voices and events to draw the listener into his story. Something that, in reality, would probably make him feel uncomfortable, being the center of our attention, and is one of the reasons I love him—that in his efforts not to draw attention to himself, we readers are drawn to him in every single way.”

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And that does it for this month, friends. Until next time, happy reading!

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Hello all, welcome to another Audio Tuesday, and Jessie Potts is here again from the HEA blog to talk about some of her most recent audio recommendations.

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How has your 2018 been so far? Awesomely better than 2017
already? Well regardless I have some fun listens to make you forget about the
cold weather and whatever else may be bumming you out.

The Hookup by Kristen
Ashley, narrated by Lance Greenfield and Stella Bloom

This is the first book in Kristen’s new Moonlight and Motor
Oil series and it starts off sizzling. I love dual narrators and Kristen always
writes the best romances. There’s so much heat and feels in this story that
it’s sure to make you think of small towns, hot sex and adorable quirks!

Call Me by Your Name
by André Aciman, narrated by Armie Hammer

This is an oldie (ish) but it came out in October and I just
can’t get it out of my head. While this isn’t a perfect feel good romance, it’s
one that’s guaranteed to get your mind off your chilled toes and the news.
There’s so much to this novel… so so much and Armie literally brings the
characters, not just to life but right there in front of you and at your ear,
whispering everything that happened to them and to each other.

A High-End Finish by
Kate Carlisle, narrated by Angela Starling

This book didn’t really hit my notice, I’m not a super big
mystery reader and most of them have cats on the cover have you noticed? But
this one was on sale (it’s still on sale for $2.95) and is was the first in her
Fixer-Upper Mysteries so I gave it shot! I have to say it was a cute vacation
away from the real world. The mystery isn’t hard to solve and the plot isn’t
deep, and I think if I read this first I wouldn’t have liked it as much. Having
listened to it first though, Angela did a fantastic job keeping me company
folding laundry and driving. It kept my attention enough that it was definitely
worth the $3!

Friday, January 5, 2018

Cheers, friends, and Happy New Year!

We at The Novel Approach compiled our favorite Books of 2017 (that we read, not necessarily that were published) and ran them on the blog during the last two weeks of the year. One of the Rafflecopter entry options for the giveaways was to pick a favorite book cover from each list. Now that the votes are all in, and I've compiled the top vote getters from all of the lists, let's have some fun and vote for your favorite cover from the best of the best. Sound good? Good. Covers and their artists should get some love too.

Now, here's what I need from all of you. Below are the twelve covers that garnered the most votes. All you need to do is pick your favorite and cast your vote. Easy! And, here's how to enter the GIVEAWAY!

Leave a comment below, and just say, "Enter me in the giveaway!" or some such. You can even tell everyone what you like about the cover you voted for, if you'd like. At the close of the contest (midnight on January 6th!), I'll draw a name at random, and that lucky reader will win an eCopy of the winning book as well as a $10US gift card to that book's publisher (if available) or on Amazon, winner's choice.

Photos on this site are mine or linked from source files and are available as open content. If this is not the case, please let me know so I can remove it. While I want the interwebz to be open and free, I respect copyrighted material.

In My Books

The main characters in all of my books are in the process of looking for and finding true love. The road is assuredly rocky but there is always a happily ever after as that is what they all deserve. It's what we all deserve.